The Keysbrook mineral sands mine, operated by Doral Minerals, comprises one of the world’s largest deposits of leucoxene. About 110,000 tonnes/annum of heavy mineral concentrate is produced and processed at Picton.
A condition of the Keysbrook project approval is to monitor the effects of mining on the environment, including whether groundwater extraction has an impact on nearby wetlands and native vegetation.
In 2005, Rockwater completed a hydrogeological assessment for dewatering and water supply at Keysbrook to support mining approvals.
We then supervised the drilling and testing of two production bores that were constructed in the Leederville Aquifer for the project water supply. Seven monitoring bores were also constructed in the Leederville Aquifer, and a further 36 monitoring bores were constructed in the Superficial Aquifer.
During the mine construction phase of the project, we also conducted baseline environmental surveys of potential groundwater-dependent ecosystems. This included botanical surveys of nearby conservation significant wetlands and groundwater monitoring.
We continue to monitor vegetation health at Keysbrook, and prepare annual groundwater monitoring reports for the regulators.
